Bangkok  - A fire that broke out shortly after New Year's Thursday at a popular Bangkok pub killed at least 59 revellers and injured almost 200, police said.

The fire, apparently sparked by a pyrotechnic show to bring in the New York, broke out about 12:20 am (1720 GMT Wednesday) at the popular Satikia Club, which was packed with some 1,000 revellers.

Police Colonel Suphin Sapphuang said 59 people had been confirmed dead - 53 at the scene and six who succumbed later in hospital, reported the Bangkok Post online news service.

Another 184 people were injured, and taken to 14 Bangkok hospitals for treatment for burns and smoke inhalation.

Most of the fatalities were Thai nationals, although foreigners were believed to be among the revellers at the popular pub on Ekkamai Road.

It was not known if other victims were still inside the three- storey building, which was completely gutted by the flames.

Police speculated that the fire was sparked by a firework display on the third floor of the club shortly after midnight.

"There were some pyrotechnics and it appears that they started the blaze," said Police Lieutenant Colonel Prawit Kantwol.

Most died in the rush to get out of the pub's main door, either from suffocation or being trampling to death, although there were three other exits in the building.

Ironically, the pub's New Year's party promotion gimmick was "Goodbye Santika", as the owner was planning to move to a new venue. (dpa)